There are several ways to learn how to improve your poker game, such as watching TV shows, watching players in a game live or online, reading a poker guide, and experimenting with playing poker tournaments. This article will focus on the best method to improve your poker game by using a guide and poker experience.
A good poker guide
Although there are literally hundreds of poker guides that promise to teach you methods on how to play and win the best, the best method is the one that fits your skill level. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to focus on learning and understanding the how, when, and why of each type of poker strategy.
In other words, if you learn to trap but don’t understand the best case scenario for when to trap, your strategy may be ineffective. Before attempting to use any poker strategy, you should make sure that the time is right to use that particular method.
Look for a poker guide that teaches you more than just the basics of moves and strategy. Find one that expounds more on the right time and the right situation to use those strategies. Also, make sure the poker guide explains each strategy in layman’s terms. This brings us to the next point of experiencing those moves through action in your own game.
experience through action
Once you have studied and understood different poker strategies, you will obviously want to use them in a game. Knowing how, when and why you are using the particular strategy will help you be more successful in achieving your goal of winning.
Make sure you find opportunities to employ your chosen strategy and follow through with determination to execute it. For example, suppose you are dealt pocket kings and you have a board that is somewhat aggressive and in late position. A good idea might be to raise enough to get rid of suited connectors and rag aces while holding down pairs or high connectors like KQ or QJ.
Since your intention is to trap an opponent in this scenario, you want to let your opponents play you on the flop. So if the flop comes Q, 9 4, for example, you can let them bet out for you and re-raise about two-thirds of the pot. Obviously, the only player that will pay you will be the one with a Queen. This strategy will help you maximize the pot.
On the other hand, if the flop comes an ace on the board, you can just call a small bet or fold to a bigger bet and abandon your trap, since you have position. This will minimize your losses in the event that an opponent has called you pre-flop with an ace.
Gaining a clear understanding of how, when and why to use different poker strategies is the key to success in winning at poker. Select a solid poker guide that gives you these advantages for success.